U.S. patent number 8,125,457 [Application Number 11/796,672] was granted by the patent office on 2012-02-28 for switching display mode of electronic device.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.. Invention is credited to Richard James Lawson, Marguerite Letulle, Oluf Nissen.
United States Patent |
8,125,457 |
Lawson , et al. |
February 28, 2012 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Switching display mode of electronic device
Abstract
One embodiment receives a single click from a user to switch an
electronic device between a mouse mode and a touch mode.
Inventors: |
Lawson; Richard James
(Cupertino, CA), Letulle; Marguerite (San Mateo, CA),
Nissen; Oluf (Cupertino, CA) |
Assignee: |
Hewlett-Packard Development
Company, L.P. (Houston, TX)
|
Family
ID: |
39886368 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/796,672 |
Filed: |
April 27, 2007 |
Prior Publication Data
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|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20080266255 A1 |
Oct 30, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
345/173;
345/178 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F
3/038 (20130101); G06F 3/048 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G06F
3/041 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;345/6,8,163,420,168-179,156,423 ;341/20,22 ;715/711
;379/433.06,433.07 ;348/169 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Dharia; Prabodh M
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method, comprising: receiving a single click from a user to
switch an electronic device between a mouse mode in which clicking
a pointer moved on an object displayed on a display of the
electronic device selects the object and a touch mode in which
touching the object displayed on the display of the electronic
device selects the object; enlarging visual objects in an
application displayed on the display when the electronic device
switches from the mouse mode to the touch mode; and, shrinking the
visual objects in the application displayed on the display when the
electronic device switches from the touch mode to the mouse mode;
wherein the visual objects are shrunk such that the visual objects
are still displayed on the display after switching to the mouse
mode from the touch mode, and wherein the visual objects that are
enlarged when switching from the mouse mode to the touch mode are
the visual objects that were displayed on the display prior to
switching from the mouse mode to the touch mode.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising, switching from the
mouse mode to the touch mode by receiving the single click from an
electronic pointer on the display.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising, switching from the
touch mode to the mouse mode by receiving the single click from a
touch of a user on an icon displayed on the of a display.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the single click is from
actuating a physical switch or button on or near the display.
5. The method of claim 1 further comprising, automatically
enlarging icons, text, and hyperlinks on displayed on the display
when the electronic device switches from the mouse mode to the
touch mode.
6. The method of claim 1 further comprising: saving operating
system settings of the mouse mode; changing back to the operating
system settings when the electronic device switches from the touch
mode back to the mouse mode.
7. A computer readable medium having instructions for causing a
computer to execute a method, comprising: altering a size of plural
icons on a display of an electronic device upon receiving a command
from a user to switch between a first mode that uses a user
interface of the electronic device to receive input from clicks and
a second mode that uses the user interface of the electronic device
to receive input from touch, such that the plural icons are
enlarged in size on the display when the electronic device switches
from the first mode to the second mode, and such that the plural
icons are shrunk in size on the display when the electronic device
switches from the second mode to the first mode; wherein the visual
objects are shrunk such that the visual objects are still displayed
on the display after switching to the first mode from the second
mode, and wherein the visual objects that are enlarged when
switching from the first mode to the second mode are the visual
objects that were displayed on the display prior to switching from
the first mode to the second mode.
8. The computer readable medium of claim 7, the method further
comprising: detecting a touch on the display in the second mode to
switch the electronic device from the second mode to the first
mode.
9. The computer readable medium of claim 7, the method further
comprising: detecting activation of a physical button or switch
located on or near the display to switch the electronic device
between the first and second modes.
10. The computer readable medium of claim 7, the method further
comprising: launching an application in the electronic device to
switch the electronic device from the first mode to the second
mode.
11. The computer readable medium of claim 7, the method further
comprising: receiving a click of an icon on the display to switch
the electronic device from the first mode to the second mode.
12. The computer readable medium of claim 7, the method further
comprising: switching from the first mode to the second mode when a
web browser application is activated.
13. The computer readable medium of claim 7, the method further
comprising: enlarging icons in a task bar and hyperlinks in a
display area upon switching the electronic device from the first
mode to the second mode.
14. An electronic device, comprising: a display; memory for storing
an algorithm; and processor for executing the algorithm to: enlarge
and shrink sizes of icons on the display upon receiving activation
from a user to switch between first and second modes of system
operation, wherein the first mode receives user input from clicks
on the display of the electronic device and the second mode
receives user input from touch on the display of the electronic
device, such that the icons are enlarged in size on the display
when the electronic device switches from the first mode to the
second mode, and such that the icons are shrunk in size on the
display when the electronic device switches from the second mode to
the first mode; wherein the visual objects are shrunk such that the
visual objects are still displayed on the display after switching
to the first mode from the second mode, and wherein the visual
objects that are enlarged when switching from the first mode to the
second mode are the visual objects that were displayed on the
display prior to switching from the first mode to the second
mode.
15. The electronic device of claim 14 further comprising, a button
on the electronic device for switching the electronic device from
the first mode to the second mode.
16. The electronic device of claim 14 further comprising, a button
on the electronic device for switching the electronic device from
the second mode to the first mode.
17. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein the processor
further executes the algorithm to automatically switch from the
first mode to the second mode when a web browsing application is
launched.
18. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein the processor
further executes the algorithm to automatically switch from the
second mode to the first mode when a user moves a mouse on the
display.
Description
BACKGROUND
Computers and electronic devices display icons, text, images, and
other information with a size that is commensurate for use with a
pointing device, such as a mouse. For example, icons and hyperlinks
are sized on the screen to be clicked with a small electronic
pointer appearing on the screen. Since a finger is generally larger
than a pointing device, it is difficult to use touch on a display
running a graphical user interface (GUI) displaying windows since
the displayed targets and controls are too small.
In many computers, a user can access system level settings to
change how items are displayed on the screen. For instance, a user
can navigate through various menu options in a control panel to
change desktop background, color, and appearances. Such changes
often require numerous steps as the user navigates various windows
or selections to make a system level change.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1A is a flow diagram for switching from a mouse mode to a
touch mode in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 1B is a flow diagram for switching back from a touch mode to a
mouse mode in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 2A is a display in mouse mode in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment.
FIG. 2B is the display in FIG. 2A after being switched to touch
mode in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 3A is a display in mouse mode in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment.
FIG. 3B is the display in FIG. 3A after being switched to touch
mode in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an electronic device in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Exemplary embodiments are directed to systems, methods, and
apparatus for switching back and forth between a touch interface
and a mouse interface on a screen or display of an electronic
device. With a single user action, the display switches from touch
activation to mouse activation and vice versa.
One embodiment provides a mechanism (using software and/or
hardware) that makes it convenient for the user to switch back and
forth between optimizing an electronic device for use with a mouse
and optimizing the electronic device for use with touch. This
mechanism to switch to back and forth between a touch mode using a
finger and a mouse mode using a pointing device is presented to the
user in several ways. As one example, one or more hardware buttons
appear on the touch screen display. When the button is pushed or
activated, it executes a software program stored on the electronic
device to change appearance properties. As another example, an icon
is presented on the screen, such as a desktop of a personal
computer (PC). When the icon is clicked or activated, a software
program launches to change the appearance properties of the
electronic device. As another example, movement of a pointing
device (example, a mouse or movement on a touch pad) automatically
launches a software program to change the appearance properties. As
yet another example, when the touch screen is pushed with a user's
finger, the software program launches to change the appearance
properties. As yet another example, one or more physical buttons
are provided on the electronic device or display that change the
appearance properties when activated (example, pushed by a user).
As another example, the appearance properties are changed with a
menu driven selection (example, a user utilizes a pull-down or drop
down menu).
In one embodiment, the appearance properties automatically change
upon the occurrence of a specified event. For instance, the
appearance properties change at a selected time or date or change
when a designated user logins in to the electronic device. As
another example the appearance properties change when a specified
application is launched. For example, when a web browser is
launched or a web browser window is focused, then the appearance
properties automatically change to touch. Alternatively, if a
particular application is not conducive for the touch mode, then
the mouse mode is initiated or used with such an application. For
example, when a word processing or spreadsheet application is
launched or its window focused, then the appearance properties
automatically change to mouse mode.
The appearance properties change as the user switches the
electronic device between the touch and mouse modes. In one
embodiment, the size of objects or images increases when the
electronic device changes from mouse to touch modes and decreases
when the electronic device changes from touch to mouse modes. By
way of example, the size of objects or images changes by enlarging
or shrinking the scroll bar, icons, text, tool bar, task bar,
buttons, images, and/or hyperlinks, to name a few examples.
As indicated, using touch on some electronic devices (such as a PC
running a windows based operating system or a GUI displaying
windows) is difficult since the controls are small and designed to
be used with a mouse. A windows based operating system (OS) may be,
for example, a Linux based OS, a Microsoft.RTM. based OS, or an
Apple.RTM. OS that uses windows, to name a few examples. One
embodiment provides a quick method for users to initiate a software
program that changes the OS wide appearance properties (including
clicking behavior). These changes include making the controls
larger or smaller depending on what user interface mode (touch or
mouse) the user activates. The software program can launch manually
by user action or automatically. For example, the software program
launches when the mouse or cursor is moved to a designated location
on the display, an icon or button is clicked, or the user touches
the touch screen, to name a few examples. When in touch mode, the
sizes of these controls are enlarged to make it easier for a user
to view and touch the controls for inputting commands through the
user interface. When in mouse mode, the sizes of these controls are
made smaller thus allowing for more items to appear on the
display.
In one embodiment, launching of the touch and mouse modes also
alters click properties of the user interface. For instance, when
the system transitions into mouse mode, then double click is
activated. By contrast, when the system transitions into touch
mode, then a single click is activated.
FIG. 1A is a flow diagram 100 for switching from a mouse mode to a
touch mode in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The
embodiment is also applicable for switching from touch mode to
mouse mode.
According to block 110, a user initiates an action or command to
switch the electronic device from the mouse mode to the touch mode.
This command or action can be a direct manual action (example, a
user activates an icon or menu selection), or this action can be an
indirect automated action (example, a user launches a program that
initiates switching between modes).
In one exemplary embodiment, the action to switch between the mouse
and touch modes is initiated with a single click or single user
action. For example, a user performs only a single click on an
icon, button, or graphical image to switch the electronic device
from the mouse mode to the touch mode or from the touch mode to the
mouse mode. As another example, the user presses a single logical
icon, button, or graphical image on the display or presses or
activates a single physical button on the electronic device to
switch between modes.
According to block 120, the system state is saved. In one
embodiment, an operating system state is saved or copied (example,
a system snapshot is taken). The system state records current
settings to enable a user to switch back and forth between modes
while maintaining system settings.
According to block 130, system settings are adjusted. The system
settings are adjusted to enable the system to operate in the newly
selected mode. By way of example, adjustments are made to one or
more of font sizes, scroll bar sizes, maximum/minimum buttons,
menus, single/double click, etc. As noted, when the system changes
to touch mode, then items (example, images, text, icons, etc.) are
expanded or enlarged. By contrast, when the system changes to mouse
mode, then items (example, images, text, icons, etc.) are shrunk or
reduced.
According to block 140, a user is notified of the system change. In
other words, the user is notified that the electronic device has
changed from the mouse to touch modes or from the touch to mouse
modes. In one embodiment, a visual and/or audible notification is
provided. By way of example, a pop-up dialog box appears on the
display to notify the user. As another example, an icon is
presented or altered to visually indicate in which mode the system
is operating.
FIG. 1B is a flow diagram 150 for switching back from a touch mode
to a mouse mode in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The
embodiment is also applicable for switching back from mouse mode to
touch mode.
According to block 160, a user initiates an action or command to
switch the electronic device from the touch mode to the mouse mode.
This action can be a direct manual action (example, a user
activates an icon or menu selection), or this action can be an
indirect automated action (example, a user launches a program that
initiates switching between modes).
According to block 170, the system reads in the current saved
system settings. As noted in block 120 of FIG. 1A, the system state
is saved. In one embodiment, an operating system state is saved or
copied (example, a system snapshot is taken). The system state
records current settings to enable a user to switch back and forth
between modes while maintaining system settings.
According to block 180, system settings are adjusted to the saved
system settings. The system settings are adjusted to enable the
system to operate in the previous mode (i.e., the mode before the
switch is performed).
According to block 190, a user is notified of the system change. In
other words, the user is notified that the electronic device has
changed from the mouse to touch modes or from the touch to mouse
modes. Examples of notification are discussed in connection with
block 140 of FIG. 1B.
FIG. 2A is a display 200 of an electronic device in mouse mode in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment, and FIG. 2B shows the
display in the touch mode. In one embodiment, the display 200
includes physical buttons for switching between the mouse and touch
modes. By way of example, a touch button 202 and mouse button 204
are provided to activate and de-activate the mouse and touch
modes.
The display 200 includes a task bar 210 having various icons,
images, objects, and text and a larger display or screen area 212.
The larger display area 212 also has various icons, images,
objects, etc. (indicated generally at 220). Two icons are also
provided for switching between the mouse and touch modes. By way of
example, a touch icon 212 and a mouse icon 214 are provided to
activate and de-activate the mouse and touch modes. In one
embodiment, these two icons are combined into a single icon that
enables a user to switch between the touch and mouse modes.
FIG. 2A shows an electronic pointer 230 activating the mouse icon
214 to switch the display to mouse mode. The mouse icon 214 is
highlighted (shown as shading) to indicate the current system state
is mouse mode. By contrast, FIG. 2B shows the pointer 230
activating the touch icon 212 to switch the display to the touch
mode. The touch icon 212 is highlighted (shown as shading) to
indicate the current system state is touch mode.
As noted, when the system state switches between mouse and touch
modes, objects are enlarged or shrunken. FIG. 2B shows various
objects being enlarged. By way of example, icons 212, 214, and 220
on display area 212 are enlarged. Additionally, objects in the task
bar 210 are also enlarged.
In one embodiment, objects in applications are enlarged in the
touch mode and shrunken in the mouse mode. FIGS. 3A and 3B show the
display 200 having an open application 300 (shown by way of example
as a web browser). In FIG. 3A, the display 200 is in mouse mode. In
this mode, the text 310 and images 312 in the browser window 320
are sized for interacting with a pointing device (example pointer
230).
In FIG. 3B, the display 200 is in touch mode. In this mode, the
text 310 and images 312 in the browser window 320 are sized for
interacting with a finger of a user. Here, the size of the text and
images has increased relative to the sizes in FIG. 3A. By way of
example, text 310 includes enlarged hyperlinks that are activated
when a finger of the user touches the touch sensitive screen
(example, touching "Notebooks" causes browser to navigate to a new
world wide web location).
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an electronic device or computer 400
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. In one embodiment, the electronic device includes memory
410, one or more algorithms 420 (example, algorithms for
implementing one or more aspects of exemplary embodiments), a touch
sensitive display 430, processing unit 440 and one or more buses
450.
In one embodiment, the processor unit includes a processor (such as
a central processing unit, CPU, microprocessor,
application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.) for
controlling the overall operation of memory 410 (such as random
access memory (RAM) for temporary data storage, read only memory
(ROM) for permanent data storage, and firmware). The memory 410,
for example, stores applications, data, programs, algorithms
(including software to implement or assist in implementing
embodiments in accordance with the present invention) and other
data. The processing unit 440 communicates with memory 410 and
display 430 via one or more buses 450.
As used herein, the word "click" or "clicking" means to tap or
press and release an icon or a button (such as a mouse button) of
an electronic device. In the mouse mode, clicking is used to select
a screen object by moving a pointer to the position of the object
and then clicking a mouse button or tapping a pad. In the touch
mode, the display functions as a user interface for receiving touch
input from a user, and clicking is accomplished by the user
touching an icon on the display.
In the various embodiments in accordance with the present
invention, embodiments are implemented as a method, system, and/or
apparatus. As one example, exemplary embodiments and steps
associated therewith are implemented as one or more computer
software programs to implement the methods described herein. The
software is implemented as one or more modules (also referred to as
code subroutines, or "objects" in object-oriented programming). The
location of the software will differ for the various alternative
embodiments. The software programming code, for example, is
accessed by a processor or processors of the computer or server
from long-term storage media of some type, such as a CD-ROM drive
or hard drive. The software programming code is embodied or stored
on any of a variety of known media for use with a data processing
system or in any memory device such as semiconductor, magnetic and
optical devices, including a disk, hard drive, CD-ROM, ROM, etc.
The code is distributed on such media, or is distributed to users
from the memory or storage of one computer system over a network of
some type to other computer systems for use by users of such other
systems. Alternatively, the programming code is embodied in the
memory and accessed by the processor using the bus. The techniques
and methods for embodying software programming code in memory, on
physical media, and/or distributing software code via networks are
well known and will not be further discussed herein.
The above discussion is meant to be illustrative of the principles
and various embodiments of the present invention. Numerous
variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled
in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. It is
intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all
such variations and modifications.
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